Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing filter recognition

Abstract

The application generally relates to digital Engine Integrity Protection (EIP) systems for filters for internal combustion engines and methods of using the digital EIP systems. A pre-programmed digital chip is integrated in filtration hardware such that the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or another controller installed on the engine or vehicle can read encrypted digital signal from the chip when electrically connected with the filter hardware. Based on the read information from the chip, the ECU or controller can determine whether the filter associated with the chip is a genuine filter or a non-genuine filter.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of performing a recognition of a filter component of a filter system, comprising:
 providing the filter system including the filter component constructed for filtering a fluid; 
 receiving information at a controller from a digital chip associated with the filter component of the filter system, the digital chip being one of: included in a water-in-fuel sensor or included in a recognition module comprising a printed circuit board and attached to a housing containing the filter component; 
 using the controller to compare the received information with preprogrammed information relating to a genuine filter component; 
 using the controller to determine whether the received information matches the preprogrammed information; 
 in response to the received information not matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to identify the filter component as nongenuine; and 
 in response to the received information matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to identify the filter component as genuine; 
 before comparing the received information with the preprogrammed information relating to a genuine filter component: 
 using the controller to determine whether the received information is valid; 
 using the controller to, in response to the received information not being valid, continue to request information from the digital chip until valid information is received; and 
 using the controller to, in response to the received information being valid, proceed to compare the received information with the preprogrammed information relating to a genuine filter component. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, in response to the received information not matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to set off a fault code. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, in response to the received information not matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to notify an operator of the nongenuineness of the filter component. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the operator is notified of the nongenuineness of the filter component via a display. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the operator is notified of the nongenuineness of the filter component via a malfunction indicator lamp. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, in response to the received information not matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to de-rate an engine associated with the filter system, the engine receiving the fluid filtered by the filter system. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the preprogrammed information is stored in a data array. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the received information includes at least one of a filter part number, a serial code, a date of manufacture, and a location of manufacture. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter component is a filter element, wherein the digital chip is coupled to the filter element, and wherein the information from the digital chip contains an encrypted digital identifier that identifies the filter element. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the digital chip comprises a single data line and ground references so as to establish electronic communication between the digital chip and the controller. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the digital chip comprises a circuit board including member, the circuit board defining connection holes through which two water-in-fuel (WIF) probes extend so as to establish links to the controller. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the digital chip is embedded in the filter element. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter component comprises a housing containing a filter element, and wherein the digital chip is attached to the housing. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the digital chip is contained in a recognition module attached to the housing. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the recognition module comprises a plastic body through which electrical contact pins are provided for connection to the digital chip. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the digital chip is contained on a printed circuit board that is connected to the electrical contact pins. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 before comparing the received information with the preprogrammed information relating to a genuine filter component: 
 using the controller to determine whether the received information is valid; 
 using the controller to, in response to the received information not being valid, continue to request information from the digital chip until valid information is received; and 
 using the controller to, in response to the received information being valid, proceed to compare the received information with the preprogrammed information relating to a genuine filter component. 
 
     
     
       18. A method of performing a recognition of a filter component of a filter system, comprising:
 providing the filter system including the filter component constructed for filtering a fluid; 
 receiving information at a controller from a digital chip associated with the filter component of the filter system, the digital chip comprising a circuit board including memory, the circuit board defining connection holes through which two water-in-fuel (WIF) probes extend so as to establish links to the controller; 
 using the controller to compare the received information with preprogrammed information relating to a genuine filter component; 
 using the controller to determine whether the received information matches the preprogrammed information; 
 in response to the received information not matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to identify the filter component as nongenuine; and 
 in response to the received information matching the preprogrammed information, using the controller to identify the filter component as genuine. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the filter component comprises a housing containing a filter element, and wherein the digital chip is attached to the housing. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the digital chip is contained in a recognition module attached to the housing. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the filter component is a filter element, wherein the digital chip is coupled to the filter element, and wherein the information from the digital chip contains an encrypted digital identifier that identifies the filter element.